Ryo’s Noodles, Crows Nest

This restaurant is in the middle of nowhere really, I first discovered it a few years ago now, when I was driving home from Crows Nest. There was a queue of young Japanese people eagerly waiting to get in. Little did I know at the time, that this is apparently the only place in Sydney that serves real, Tokyo style ramen! I dragged my eating buddy, F, who is also my brother, few years ago and it has now become one of our favourite lunch spots.

Ryo’s is not a big restaurant, its relatively small, maximum of 30 diners at a time, however, the ramen is to die for and one that will make crave and come back for more.

I was supposed to meet my brother and my sis-in-law to be, O, for lunch. I was still a little stuffed from my breakfast earlier that day. However, I still wanted to catch up and try a little bit of the ramen noodles. I don’t think I could have eaten a whole bowl of noodles on my own, so was happy to just pick from theirs (I don’t think they were too impressed but hey, they will live!)

F had the Tokyo ramen, which is soy-based chicken stock ramen with roast pork, nori, egg and bamboo shoots. I thought this ramen was a little too salty but it was heavenly. I love how it was served with a large nori sheet. The egg was perfect, with the yolk still a tad runny. The roast pork was tender and succulent with a slither of fat. F was giving me serious dirty looks that I do not dare to eat any of the fatty pork. It was seriously good.

O had the pork-based ramen, served with egg, roast pork and shallots. Apparently, O, always order this when she comes to Ryo’s. The soup is rich, thick and a little spicy which gives it a nice kick. O gave me a small bowl to try and I gulped it quickly as it was THAT good! I wanted more but unfortunately my stomach was saying no more.

The deep fried chicken, is one of my favourites. It is freshly fried, which makes the batter crispy. The chicken is tender and succulent and the creamy mayonnaise is not only a great compliment but an absolutely bliss. I didn’t take a photo of this, but my gawd, I was in deep fried heaven.

Ryo’s IS small! Make sure you arrive early, otherwise you are bound to queue for a while. You won’t be disappointed, it is absolutely magnificent. If only Ryo’s was closer to where I work, I would be there every second day.

I will definitely have to come back when I am less ‘full’ and have this delicious bowl goodness of ramen.

GA’s ratings: 8 / 10

Ryo’s Noodles

125 Falcon Street

Crows Nest

NSW 2065

Ph: +61 2 9955 0225

Open every day except Wednesday from 12pm – 2.30pm for lunch and 5pm – 0.30pm for dinner.